Have you ever mistaken a hummingbird moth for a hummingbird? I have!  It’s pretty easy to do until you notice there antenna’s.  See for yourself.  Enjoy!

A key habit of a great gardener is good note taking. Tracking key moments during the grow season is not only important now, but will pay dividends in the near future. The ability to look back on previous weather patterns and plant performance during different stages is priceless.  Here is an example of a project note I made during the 2013 grow season. Enjoy!

4/16/13

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated the project notes. Many things have occurred such as more questionable seeds, changes in the production schedule and the relocations and re-designing of the flower beds. The acquisition of a Hoop House (12x7x7). The painted daisy seeds appear to be fine. They have a 95% sprout rate. But, I was not following the instructions for the second stage of their growth. They must be transferred to larger pots. That was accomplished 4/13/13. Approximately 72 plants with an average of 2 seedlings per container.  There’s another 36 to 40 that need to be transplanted as well. They appear to be doing fine after transfer 4/16/2013   The weather has not cooperated. It is time to harden the marigolds. Due to outside elements and pest the decision was made to purchase a hoop house for the second phase of growth and plant hardening. All plants can be moved to the hoop house at this time. The indoor greenhouse will serve as a backup light source for foul weather days.   I’ve revised the plant schedule numerous times. I’ve made the decision to eliminate the sunflowers this season and stick with the daisies. I’m currently working on the beds and flower location due to some newly discovered issues. In the far north 10’x10’ bed I discovered an underground cable. The area is now for emergency only.  I’ve had to reconsider the flower bed location due to the proximity of the hoop house. Yard prep is going according to schedule. It is a lot of physical labor involved in the bed making process.

Snow advisories in late summer can only mean you’re in zone 4! You are relaxing in flip flops one moment and find yourself seeking a winter coat and galoshes the next. This unique situation sends you scrambling to cover late summer blooms, anxiously awaiting the arrival of “Ole Jack Frost”.  Once he makes his appearance, annual flowers begin their gradual demise and fall arrives.  As the weather turns cold let us remember to take time to reflect on the beautiful season ” that was” because  “Ole Jack Frost” is sure to come. Cheers

A successful garden begins with quality seeds. There are numerous options so please do your homework to insure you choose a reputable supplier and match seed selection with the correct zone.  Soil preparation and the essentials of water and sun will yield a rich reward! Cheers

The most durable plant in your garden is sure to be a weed, they seem to appear overnight! Weeds hide behind lush foliage siphoning crucial nutrients from the soil surrounding your plants and seem to thrive in any environment. You can cut them, pull them and even spray them and it’s a sure bet that they’ll return.

A safe and eco friendly alternative to keeping weeds at bay is cultivating. The routine raking of the soil surrounding your plants will unearth the weeds right down to the root for easy “pickins”.  The weed free aerated soil allows necessary oxygen and minerals to penetrate deep to plant roots assisting them in the growth process.

A steady regiment of cultivating will keep the pesky weeds away and will keep you closer to the soil.  Cheers

 

Your growing medium is one of the most important initial decisions you’ll make during the grow season.  Soil conditions play a vital role in your gardens success and your flowers will tell the story. It all begins with “digging in the dirt”. A combination of minerals, organic matter and numerous microorganisms assist in the grow process.

Got Microbes? Testing current soil conditions can prove to be very beneficial. If your PH is too high or too low the addition of rich compost is sure to provide balance and stability to the foundation of your garden.

With summers end it’s time to begin preparing the soil for next season’s blooms. By implementing a strategic plan, your garden’s future is sure to be bright.

Humming birds, butterflies and huge bumble bees along with floral fragrances should fill the air surrounding your flower beds. If all went according to plan you should have floral colors that overwhelm the senses and a never ending stream of all the necessary creatures.  Ah yes, nature at its peak! There’s nothing finer than taking a stroll thru a magnificent floral garden in late summer. With that said, enjoy all that summer has to bring because fall is on the horizon. Cheers

Summer is here and so are the blooms. Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. With heat being an integral part of summer, it is imperative to keep your plants well hydrated during these hot days. The sun can take it’s toll in a short period of time!  Please take precautions to protect your plants as well as yourself.  Cheers

Zone 4 is off to a “rocky start”. Unpredictable weather has delayed planting and if you were fortunate enough to plant in early spring your crops or flowers where likely subjected to a late spring frost or a devastating hail storm. It’s difficult to anticipate what Mother Nature will bring. So, let’s take all necessary precautions to ensure a successful and fun grow season.

It’s spring time in zone 4. It’s time to ready our flower beds and sow our seeds. Spring time gardening can be very challenging. Weather can prove to be an unpredictable factor during the early stages of the grow season.  The health of your soil and plant selection, play a vital role in your gardens success. So as our garden season gets underway let’s remember to plant wisely and have fun.